1. 2010
NSA RULE BOOK STAFF
Co – Editor – Eddie Ray Cantrell/ National Director of Umpires
Co – Editor – Don Snopek/ National Slowpitch Umpire-In-Chief
Co – Editor – Sonja Ritchie/ Southern Zone VP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fastpitch/Modified Softball Pages 83 – 139
Adult Men’s Fast Pitch Pages 140 – 141
Eight Under & Coach Pitch Rules Page 142 – 148
NSA By-Laws Pages 149 – 173
Field Diagram ** Page 174
Rulebook Advertisements Page 175 – 188
** Reference for Rule 2 – The Playing Field
Copyright 2010 All rights reserved. Any reproduction or copy of this
Rule Book, without the express written consent of the
National Softball Association is prohibited.
Changes & Additions are shown in bold & highlighted print.
82

2. National Softball Association
FASTPITCH & MODIFIED
INDEX TO RULES
Page Rule Sec. Sub.
ALTERED BAT 89 1 1 effect
Bat Specifications 100-101 3 1 a-l, note
Batter Box 118 7 1 d, effect
APPEAL PLAY 89 1 2
Baserunner 129 8 8 g-j, effect
Batting Out of Order 119 7 2 a-c
Dead Ball Appeal 133 9 1 m
Appeal Before Time Called 134 9 2 u
APPROVED BAT 89-90 1 3
AUTOMATIC OUT 106-107 4 4 a-c, note
BALL
Blocked Ball 91 1 12 note, effect
Called by Umpire 120-121 7 8 a-g
Dead Ball 132-133 9 1 a-v
Fair Ball 121 7 9 a-h
Foul Ball 121 7 10 a-d, effect
Official Ball 101-102 3 2 a, exception
Rotation 90 1 4
BASE HIT
Hits Runner or Umpire 125 8 2/3 g (1-2),e
Batter Becomes a Runner 124-125 8 2 a-g
BASERUNNER 90 1 6
Assisted 129 8 8 f
Awarded of Bases on Overthrow 126-127 8 5 e-h
Base on Balls 124 8 1 j
Basepath 90 1 5
Baserunner is Out 128-131 8 8 a-y,penalty
Batting Helmet 90 1 10
Contact with Fielder 130 8 8 t, penalty
131 8 9 c
Contact with Base 132 8 9 k, effect
A Player Forfeits His Exemption From
Liability to be Put Out 125 8 4 a-c
Hit by Batted Ball 129 8 8 k, 1
132 8 9 d, k, n
Illegal Glove Used 122-123 7 12 a
Interferes with Play 130 8 8 m, s, effect
Liability to be Put Out 125 8 3 a-e
Must Return to Base 127-128 8 6 a-e, effect
Obstructed 125-126 8 5 b(1-3)
Out of Base path 128-129 8 8 a
Passes Another Runner 129 8 8 e
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3. Page Rule Sec. Sub
Two Occupy Same Base 123-124 8 1 e-effect
BAT 10-101 3 1 a-l, note
Hitting Ball a Second Time 120 7 6 eff.,ex.,note
BATTER
Becomes a Baserunner 124-125 8 2 a-g
Hit by Fair Ball 120 7 7 f
Hit by Pitch 90 1 7 exception
120 7 7 g, effect
Illegal Glove Used 122-123 7 12 a
Not Taking Position 118-119 7 1 e, effect
Obstructed by Catcher 126 8 5 c
On-Deck Batter 123 7 13 a-f
Position within Lines 118-119 7 1 a-e
When Out is Made While at Bat 121-122 7 11 a-j
3rd Out is Made While at Bat 119-120 7 4
BATTER'S BOX 90 1 8
98 2 4 c
118-119 7 1 a-e,effect
BATTER-BASERUNNER 90 1 9
124-125 8 2 a-g
125 8 4 a-c
Batting Helmet 90 1 10
103-104 3 7 ex.,pen.
Overrunning 1st Base 129 8 8 i
Runs Outside 3 Foot Line 128 8 7 e
BATTING ORDER 90-91 1 11
Out of Order 119 7 2 a-c
Extra Player (EP) 106 4 2 b, 1-4
Removal of EP 106-107 4 4 b
"B" DIVISION GUIDELINES 105 4 note a-e
BLOCKED BALL 91 1 12 note,eff.,note
126-127 8 5 e-h
BLOOD RULE 110-111 4 11 note
BUNT 91 1 13
122 7 11 h
BUNT ATTEMPT 91 1 14
121-122 7 11 e,eff.,note
CAPS 103 3 6 a
CASTS 103 3 6 g
CATCH 91 1 15
CATCHER'S BOX 91 1 16
98 2 4 d
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4. Page Rule Sec. Sub
115 6 5 d
CHARGED CONFERENCE 91-92 1 17 a-b
Defensive 117 6 15 ex.,note,note
Offensive 113 5 8 penalty
COACH 92 1 18
Assists Runner 129 8 8 f
Box 98 2 4 e
Draws a Throw 130 8 8 o
Interferes 130 8 8 r
CONDITION OF FIELD 111 5 2
COURTESY RUNNER 108 4 6
CROW HOP 92 1 19
115 6 4 note 2
DEAD BALL 92 1 20
132-133 9 1 a-v
Ball Carried into Dead Ball Territory 127 8 5 g, note
Delayed 92 1 21
Delivery 92 1 22
DESIGNATED HITTER (DH) 106 4 2 a, 1-4
DISLODGED BASE 123 8 1 c
125 8 4 c
DOUBLE FIRST BASE 131 8 8 z
EJECTION FROM GAME 89 1 1 effect
Altered Bat 118 7 1 d, effect
121 7 11 b
Deliberate Crash 130 8 8 t, penalty
Violation of Rules 136 10 7 a-d
ELIGIBILITY (Youth) 109-110 4 8 a-f, note
EQUIPMENT 100-104 3 1-8
Softball 101-102 3 2 a, exception
Gloves & Mitts 102 3 3
Batting Helmet 103-104 3 7 exc,pen..,note
Catcher Protective Equip. 104 3 8
EXTRA PLAYER (EP) 106 4 2 b,1-4
106 4 3 note
FAIR BALL 92 1 23 a-e, note
121 7 9 a-h
FAKE TAG 125-126 8 5 b, (3)&note
FLAGARANT OBSTRUCTION 93 1 24 penalty
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5. Page Rule Sec. Sub
FORCE OUT 93 1 25
125 8 4 a
128 8 7 b
FORFEITED GAME 112 5 3 d, e, 1-8
FOUL BALL 93 1 26 a-e & note
120 7 7 c&d
121 7 10 a-d &effect
FOUL TIP 93 1 26 note
120 7 7 c
GROUND RULES 134 10 1 a
ILLEGAL BAT 93 1 28
100-101 3 1 a-l, note
118 7 1 c
133 9 1 r
ILLEGAL PITCH 93 1 29
114-116 6 1-8
Modified 114 6 1-3
ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL 94 1 31 a -c
118 7 1 c-d, effect
ILLEGALLY CAUGHT BALL 94 1 32
Detached Equipment 126 8 5 d, effect
Illegal Glove 122 7 12 a
IN JEOPARDY 94 1 34
IN PLAY 133-134 9 2 a-v
INFIELD FLY 94 1 35 note
121 7 11 d
INJURED RUNNER 133 9 1 j
INNING 94 1 36
INSURANCE 110 4 9 note
110 4 10
INTENTIONALLY DROPPED BALL 121-122 7 11 e, eff., note
133 9 1 s
INTERFERENCE 94-95 1 37
129-130 8 8 j-s, effect
By Batter at Home Plate 130 8 8 n
By Catcher (Obstruction) 124-125 8 2 f, 1-3
JEWELRY 103 3 6 b, f
LEAP 95 1 38
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6. Page Rule Sec. Sub
LEAP 115 6 4 note, 2
LEGAL PITCH 114 6 1 a-e
Modified 117 6 1 a-e
LEGAL TOUCH 95 1 39
LEGALLY CAUGHT BALL 95 1 40
LIVE BALL 133-134 9 2 a-v
LOOK BACK RULE 130-131 8 8 x
NON-APPROVED BAT 95 1 41
OBSTRUCTION 95 1 42 note
125-126 8 5 b, eff., 1-3
OVERSLIDE 95 1 43
OVERTHROW 95 1 44
Award of Bases 126-127 8 5 e, eff.,note 1-4
PASSED BALL 95 1 45
PITCH Fastpitch
Illegal Pitch 114-116 6 1-8 penalty
No pitch 116 6 9 a-c,penalty
Returned by Catcher 115 6 5 e
Warm up Pitches 116 6 11 penalty, note
PITCHING CIRCLE 98 2 4 f
130-131 8 8 x
PITCHING DISTANCES 97 2 2
PITCHING REGULATIONS
Modified 114 6 1-3
PIVOT FOOT 96 1 46
PLAYING FIELD DIMENSIONS 97 2 2
PROTESTS 138-139 11 1-7
QUICK PITCH 96 1 47
RE-ENTRY 106 4 3 a-b
ROSTER SIGNING DATE 113 5 9
RUNS NOT SCORED 113 5 5-7
124 8 1 f
SACRIFICE 96 1 48
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7. Page Rule Sec. Sub
SHOES 102 3 4 penalty
SQUEEZE 96 1 49
125 8 3 a
STOLEN BASE 96 1 50
STRIKE 120 7 7 a-g effect
STRIKE ZONE 96 1 51
SUBSTITUTE
Extra Player (EP) 106 4 2 b, 4
No Substitute Available 112 5 3 e (7)
Notify Umpire 107 4 5 note
Officially in the Game 107-108 4 5
SUSPENSION OF PLAY 112-113 5 3 f,g,h
136 10 6 a-d
THIRD STRIKE RULE 121-122 7 11 a, h & i, notes
THREE FOOT LINE 96 1 52
TIE BREAKER 96 1 53
TIME 96 1 54
By Umpire 133 9 1 l, m
Player, Coach, Manager 116-117 6 14 penalty
TURN AT BAT 97 1 55
UMPIRES 134-138 10 1-9
UNIFORMS 102-103 3 6 a-d
VIOLATIONS 136 10 7 a-d
WILD PITCH 97 1 56
WINDUP 115 6 6 a-e
WRISTBAND OF PITCHER 115-116 6 8 penalty
88

8. The National Softball Association’s
FASTPITCH & MODIFIED OFFICIAL
PLAYING RULES
It is the responsibility of coaches, managers, players and sponsors to
know the NSA Rules and By-Laws. Ignorance of these Rules and By-
Laws is not grounds for protest or appeal. Softball is a contact sport,
played with Composite, Aluminum, Wood and other approved
materials in design of approved bats. The game of softball can be a
dangerous sport to participate in. In playing the game of softball, the
player and the parents of the youth players participating in the game
of softball assume for themselves and for the youth children
participating in the game of softball the risk of serious injury or
possible death. By agreeing to be placed on an NSA roster, the
participants or parents of participants understand these risks.
NOTE: The following rules govern play in both the Fastpitch and Modified
Programs of the National Softball Association. The only variation between the
two programs is the Modified Pitching Rules, which can be found in Rule 6.
New Rule Changes & Additions are shown in bold highlighted print.
RULE 1 - DEFINITIONS
Sec. 1 ALTERED BAT: A bat is considered altered when the physical
structure of a legal bat has been changed, or an illegal or non-
approved bat has been changed to resemble a legal bat. Examples of
altering a bat are, but not limited to, the following: painting a bat,
replacing the handle of a metal bat with a wooden or other type
handle, or inserting material inside the bat. A flare or cone grip that
does not meet the specifications of Rule 3 is considered an altered
bat.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter is out and baserunners may
not advance. The batter is ejected for using an altered bat (In Youth
Play the coach is also ejected).
Sec. 2 APPEAL PLAY: A play in which an umpire cannot make a decision
until requested by a manager, coach, or player. The appeal must be
made before the next legal or illegal pitch or before all infielders
(including the pitcher) have left the field (crossed the foul lines). The
appealed play does not change the type of out that is being appealed.
Sec. 3 APPROVED BAT: A bat model becomes approved after the bat
manufacturer submits the bat to NSA after being tested by the official
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9. test facility and said model meets the requirements of a legal bat as
defined in Rule 3. Sec. 1.
Sec. 4 BALL ROTATION: A pitcher will have a choice of balls at the start
of each half inning, with the exception that if both balls do not get put
into play in the first half of the first inning; the pitcher in the bottom
of the first inning must pitch the unused ball. Thereafter, every third
out, the ball in play must be returned to the eight-foot circle. The
pitcher now taking the field has a ball to start the next half inning.
Before throwing a warm-up pitch, the pitcher may request to pitch the
other ball giving the ball in his/her possession to the plate umpire. A
choice has now been made, and the pitcher must pitch this ball until it
goes out of play or becomes blocked.
Sec. 5 BASE PATH: The base path is an imaginary line three feet on either
side of a direct line between the bases.
Sec. 6 BASERUNNER: A player on the team at bat who has finished his
batting turn, reached first base, and has not yet been put out.
Sec. 7 BATTER HIT BY PITCH: A legal or illegally pitched ball that hits
the batter's person or clothing, provided the batter does not strike at
the pitched ball. The plate umpire will award first base to the batter
hit by the pitch. Any runners will advance one base if forced due to
the batter being awarded first base. If an illegal pitch hits the batter,
all baserunners will advance one base without liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: If the batter makes no effort to avoid being hit by the
pitched ball or if the umpire calls the pitched ball a strike, the ball
striking the batter is disregarded, and the ball is dead. The pitched
ball is a strike or ball depending on the location of the pitched ball.
Sec. 8 BATTER'S BOX: The area that the batter is restricted to while in
position to bat. The batter must have both feet entirely within the
lines of the box prior to the pitch. The lines are considered to be
within the box.
Sec. 9 BATTER-RUNNER: A player who has finished his turn at bat but
has not yet been put out or touched first base.
Sec. 10 BATTING HELMET: A batting helmet bearing the NOCSAE
stamp is mandatory for each batter, on-deck batter, player, youth
coach in the coach’s box and any runner. The batting helmet worn by
each batter, on-deck batter, player and youth coach in the coaches
boxes and all runners must have extended ear flaps which cover both
ears and temples. If a pitcher wears a batting helmet, the outer
covering must have a non-glare surface. ALL HELMETS SHALL
BE FITTED WITH A NOCSAE APPROVED FACE GUARD.
Sec. 11 BATTING ORDER: The batting order is the official lineup of
offensive players listing the order in which team members must come
to bat. A lineup card must include each player's name, number, and
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10. defensive position. Extra Players (EP) and Designated Hitters (DH)
must also be included.
Sec. 12 BLOCKED BALL: A live ball that is touched, stopped, or handled
by a person not engaged in the game; or which touches any object
that is not part of the official equipment or playing area.
NOTE: A blocked ball is not called when a live ball strikes a base
coach unintentionally.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. See Rule 8. Sec. 5. (e) for enforcement.
*NOTE: When offensive equipment causes a blocked ball, the
runner closest to home plate will be declared out and all other
runners must return to the last base touched at the time the ball
became blocked.
Sec. 13 BUNT: A bunt is a fair ball in which the batter does not take a full
swing but holds the bat in such a manner in the path of the ball to tap
the ball slowly to the infield.
Sec. 14 BUNT ATTEMPT: Any non-swinging movement of the bat
intended to tap the ball into play. The mere holding of the bat in
the strike zone is considered a bunt attempt no matter the
placement of the pitch. To take a pitch the batter must withdraw
the bat away from the ball.
Sec. 15 CATCH: A catch is a legally caught ball, which occurs when a
fielder secures a batted or thrown ball with his/her hand or glove. If
the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arms or is prevented from
dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s body or clothing,
the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s
hand or glove. It is not a catch if a fielder, immediately after he/she
contacts the ball, collides with another player or wall or falls to the
ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the
ground. In establishing a valid catch, the fielder shall have complete
control of the ball and his/her release of the ball is voluntary and
intentional. If a player drops the ball while in the act of throwing, it
is a valid catch.
Sec. 16 CATCHER'S BOX: The catcher's box is the area in which the
catcher must stay until the pitched ball is released. The lines of the
box are considered within the box. All of the catcher's body and
equipment must be within the catcher's box until the pitcher releases
the ball. The umpire indicates an illegal pitch if the catcher is not in
this position.
Sec. 17 CHARGED CONFERENCE: A charged conference takes place
when:
a. Defensive Conference - The defensive team requests a
suspension of play for any reason, and a representative not on
the field enters the playing field and delivers a message (by any
means) to the pitcher or any defensive player. It is not a charged
conference when the representative enters the field and removes
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11. the pitcher, or if the defensive team confers while the offensive
team is in conference.
b. Offensive Conference - The offensive team requests a
suspension of play to allow the manager or other team
representative, on or off the field, to confer with a batter or
baserunner. It is not a charged conference when an offensive
pitcher is putting on a warm-up jacket on base or if the offensive
team confers while the defensive team is in conference.
Sec. 18 COACH: A member of the team at bat who takes his/her place in
the coach's box to direct his/her players in running the bases. Two
coaches are allowed, one positioned at 1st base and one positioned at
3rd base. One coach can have in his/her possession, a scorebook and
an indicator that shall be used for scorekeeping purposes only. A
defensive coach or manager must remain in the dugout at their
normal position. If the manager or coach does not comply after a
warning from the umpire, he/she will be ejected from the game.
Sec. 19 CROW HOP: Prior to delivering the pitch, the pitcher replants the
pivot foot and pushes off from a spot other than the pitcher's plate.
Sec. 20 DEAD BALL: The ball is not in play, and not considered in play
again, until the pitcher has the ball in his/her possession and the
umpire has called "play ball".
Sec. 21 DELAYED DEAD BALL: An infraction, signaled by the umpire, in
which the ball remains alive until all play has been completed and
time has been called.
Sec. 22 DELIVERY: Delivery of the pitch begins when the hands separate
and ends with the release of the ball
Sec. 23 FAIR BALL: A fair ball is a batted ball that:
a. Settles on fair territory between home plate and 1st base or
home plate and 3rd base.
b. Is on or over fair territory, including any part of 1st and 3rd
bases, when bounding toward the outfield or touches 1st, 2nd or
3rd base.
c. First falls in fair territory beyond 1st or 3rd base.
d. Touches the person of any umpire or player while in or over fair
territory.
e. While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field, beyond
the outfield fence.
NOTE: A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position
of the ball and foul line and not as to the position of the fielder at the
time he/she touches the ball. It does not matter whether the ball first
touches fair or foul territory, as long as it does not touch anything
foreign to the natural ground in foul territory and complies with all
other aspects of a fair ball. Home plate is in fair territory.
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12. Sec. 24 FLAGRANT PLAYER OBSTRUCTION: Is the act of a defensive
fielder flagrantly, and with excessive force, impedes the runner or
batter/runner.
PENALTY: Immediate ejection of the defensive player.
Sec. 25 FORCE OUT: A force out is an out which can be made only when a
baserunner loses the right to the base he/she is occupying because the
batter becomes a batter-runner, and before the batter-runner or a
succeeding baserunner has been put out.
Sec. 26 FOUL BALL: A foul ball is a batted ball that:
a. Settles on foul territory between home and 1st base or home and
3rd base.
b. Bounds past 1st and 3rd base on or over foul territory.
c. Falls first on foul territory beyond 1st or 3rd base.
d. While on or over foul ground, touches an umpire, player, or
foreign object to the natural ground.
e. Touches the batter or bat in the batter's hand while within the
lines of the batter's box.
NOTE: A foul fly ball shall be judged according to the relative
position of the ball and the foul line and not the position of the
fielder.
Sec. 27 FOUL TIP: A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat,
not higher than the batters head, to the catcher’s hands or glove/mitt,
and is legally caught by the catcher. A foul tip is a strike. The batter
is out if it is the third strike. A foul tip remains alive. A runner may
advance with liability to be put out from one base to another on a foul
tip without tagging. The foul tip is treated as if it were a swing and
miss. A batted ball that travels directly from the bat not higher than
the batter’s head to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment other
than the hand(s) or glove/mitt is a foul ball is dead and is not a foul
tip. A batted ball that goes higher than the batter’s head is a foul ball.
It is not a foul tip. If legally caught, the batter is out.
NOTE: Any foul tip is a strike, and the ball is in play.
Sec. 28 ILLEGAL BAT: An illegal bat is one that does not meet the
requirements. Rule 3 Sec. 1
Sec. 29 ILLEGAL PITCH: An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball and is
any infraction of the pitching. Rule 6 Sec. 1 – 8
Sec. 30 ILLEGAL PLAYER: A Player who enters the line–up without the
right to an offensive or defensive position.
Examples of an Illegal player(s) but not limited to are:
a. Illegal use of the re-entry rule.
b. Using a player to pitch who was removed from the pitching
position.
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13. Sec. 31 ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL: An illegally batted ball occurs
when:
a. A batter's entire foot is completely out of the box, on the ground,
when he/she hits the ball fair or foul.
b. Any part of the batter's foot is touching home plate when he/she
hits the ball.
c. The batter hits the ball with an illegal or altered bat.
Sec. 32 ILLEGALLY CAUGHT BALL: Occurs when a fielder catches a
batted or thrown ball with his/her cap, illegal glove or any part of
his/her uniform, detached from its proper place. See Rule 1. Sec. 15.
Sec. 33 INELGIBLE PLAYER: A player who is unregistered or who does
not meet the requirements to register.
NOTE: The penalty for using an ineligible player is a forfeit of
any/all games played or in progress.
Examples of an ineligible player but not limited to are:
a. Playing under an assumed name.
b. Players not on a team roster.
c. Violating residency requirements.
d. Violating divisional age requirements.
e. Player(s) that are listed on two (2) official NSA Sanctioned
Rosters without an Official Release Form on file in the State
Director’s Office.
f. An ejected player.
Sec. 34 IN JEOPARDY: A term indicating that the ball is in play and an
offensive player may be put out.
Sec. 35 INFIELD FLY: An infield fly is a fair ball (not including a line
drive or an attempted bunt), which can be caught by an infielder with
ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases are
occupied before two are out. Any fielder can catch an infield fly.
NOTE: All divisions play with an infield fly rule.
*NOTE: When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an
infield fly, the umpire(s) shall immediately declare, "infield fly, the
batter is out" to aid the runners. If the ball is near the foul lines, the
umpire(s) shall declare "infield fly, the batter is out if fair". The ball
is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught
or re-touch and advance after the ball is touched by a fielder. If the
hit ball becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any other foul
ball.
Sec. 36 INNING: An inning is that portion of a game in which the teams
alternate between offense/defense. There are three outs for each
team. A new inning begins when the third out of the bottom of an
inning is declared.
Sec. 37 INTERFERENCE: Interference is the act of an offensive player or
team member, who impedes or confuses a defensive player while
94

14. attempting to execute a play. If judged so by the umpire, vocal
interference may be called.
Sec. 38 LEAP: The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s
plate or the ground until the non pivot (front foot) touches the ground
or the pitcher shall be considered leaping.
EFFECT: An illegal pitch is called on the pitcher.
Sec. 39 LEGAL TOUCH: A legal touch occurs when a runner or batter-
runner who is not touching a base, is touched by the ball while the
ball is held securely in a fielder's hand(s). The ball is not considered
as being securely held if it is juggled or dropped by the fielder after
having touched the runner, unless the runner deliberately knocks the
ball from the hand of the fielder. It is sufficient for the fielder to
touch the runner with the glove that holds the ball.
Sec. 40 LEGALLY CAUGHT BALL: A legally caught ball occurs when a
fielder catches a batted or thrown ball, provided it is not caught in the
fielder's cap, hat, pocket, protector, or any other part of his/her
uniform. It must be caught and firmly held with the hand or hands.
Sec. 41 NON - APPROVED BAT: A non - approved bat is one that has not
been placed on the NSA Approved Bat List or that has been removed
from the Approved Bat List. Entering the batters box with or using a
Non-Approved bat carries an ejection penalty of both the batter and
manager.
Sec. 42 OBSTRUCTION: Obstruction is the act of a defensive team
member who hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact
with a pitched ball, or who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-
runner who is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in
possession of the ball or is fielding a batted ball. The act may be
intentional or unintentional, physical, or verbal.
NOTE: Catcher obstruction is called when the catcher obstructs the
batter who is attempting to hit or swing at a pitch. Prior to the pitch
catcher obstruction does not apply, a dead ball shall be called and
the batter shall be allowed to re-set himself/herself.
Sec. 43 OVERSLIDE: An over slide is the act of the offensive player
sliding over and beyond a base he/she is attempting to reach. This is
usually caused by his/her momentum making him/her lose contact
with the base which causes him/her to be in jeopardy. The batter-
runner may over slide first base without being in jeopardy if he
immediately returns to that base.
Sec. 44 OVERTHROW: An overthrow is a play in which a ball is thrown
to retire a runner who has not yet reached or is off base and goes into
foul territory beyond the boundary lines of the playing field.
Sec. 45 PASSED BALL: A pitch the catcher fails to, with ordinary effort,
stop or control and which enables a runner(s) to advance.
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15. Sec. 46 PIVOT FOOT: The pitcher's foot that must be in contact with the
pitcher's plate or ground until the pitcher steps towards home plate.
Sec. 47 QUICK PITCH: A quick pitch is made by the pitcher with the
attempt to catch the batter off balance. This would be before the
batter takes his/her position in the batter's box or while he/she is still
off balance as a result of the previous pitch.
Sec. 48 SACRIFICE: A batter is credited with a sacrifice when, with not
more than one out, a bunt or hit fly ball enables a runner to score. In
either case, the batter-runner would be put out before reaching first
base or would have been put out if the hit had fielded without error.
Sec. 49 SQUEEZE: A play in which the runner advances toward home plate
from third base following the release of the pitched ball, and the
batter bunts the ball permitting the runner to score.
Sec. 50 STEALING (STOLEN BASE/DOUBLE STEAL): The act of a
runner attempting to advance to the next base without the aid of a
base hit, putout, or a fielding (including batter) error. An attempted
steal involving more than one runner (two or three) is considered a
double or triple steal. The act of a runner attempting to advance
during the pitch or after the pitch has reached the plate is considered
to be the act of stealing.
Sec. 51 STRIKE ZONE: The strike zone is that space over any part of
home plate that is between the batter's armpit and the top of the
batter's knees when the natural batting stance is assumed. Any part
of the ball passing through this strike zone is considered a strike. The
umpire is instructed to determine the batter's strike zone according to
the batter's usual stance when swinging at a pitch.
Sec. 52 THREE-FOOT LINE: The three-foot line is a line parallel to, and
three feet from the base line, starting at a point halfway between
home plate and first base. The batter-runner is declared out when
he/she runs outside the three-foot line, and in the judgement of the
umpire, interferes with the fielder attempting to field a batted ball or
interfering with a thrown ball.
Sec. 53 TIE BREAKER/EXTRA INNINGS: After the completion of seven
(7) innings or when the time limit has expired and the score is still
tied, the tie-breaker procedure will begin. This would involve the last
batter of the previous inning, whose turn at bat had been completed,
assuming a position on second base. This would be done at the
beginning of each half inning; until, at the conclusion of a full inning,
a winner is determined.
Sec. 54 TIME: The term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.
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16. Sec. 55 TURN AT BAT: A player's turn at bat begins when he/she enters
the batter's box and continues until he/she is putout or becomes a
baserunner.
Sec. 56 WILD PITCH: A pitch that cannot be handled by the catcher with
ordinary effort.
RULE 2 - THE PLAYING FIELD
Sec. 1 The playing field is the area within which the ball may be legally
played and fielded. The playing field shall have a clear and
unobstructed area within the radius of the prescribed fence distances,
from home plate between the foul lines.
Sec. 2 The playing field dimensions for youth and adult fastpitch/modified
softball programs are as follows:
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
FENCE FENCE BASE PITCHING
AGE GROUPS DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE
GIRLS 10 & U 150 ft 200 ft 60 ft 35 FEET
GIRLS 12 & U 175 ft 200 ft 60 ft 40 FEET
GIRLS 14 & U 175 ft 200 ft 60 ft 40 or 43 ft.*
GIRLS 16 & U 200 ft 225 ft 60 ft 40 or 43 ft.**
GIRLS 18 & U 200 ft 225 ft 60 ft 43 ft
ADULT WOMEN 200 ft 225 ft 60 ft 43 ft
ADULT MEN 225 ft 250 ft 60 ft 46 ft
NONE (MODIFIED) 65 ft (MODIFIED)
*In 2010 states have the option to pitch from 40 or 43 feet. The 14 & U
World Series will be from 40 feet.
**In 2010 states have the option to pitch from 40 or 43 feet. The 16 & U
World Series will be from 43 feet.
a. Distances from home plate to 2nd base:
65’ bases - 91’11”
60’ bases - 84’10”
55’ bases - 77’9”
50’ bases - 70’8 1/2”
Sec. 3 Ground rules or special rules establishing the limits of the playing
field may be agreed upon by leagues or opposing teams whenever
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17. backstops, fences, stands, vehicles, spectators, or other obstructions
are within the prescribed area.
Sec. 4 The playing field layout should include, in addition to marking for
foul lines, the following:
a. The three-foot line is drawn parallel to and 3 feet from the base
line, starting at a point halfway between home plate and 1st
base.
b. The batter's on-deck circle is a 5-foot circle placed between
home plate and 1st base and between home plate and 3rd base.
c. The batter's box, one on each side of home plate, shall measure
3 feet by 7 feet. The inside lines of the batter's box shall be 6
inches from home plate. The front line shall be 4 feet in front of
the center of the plate. The lines are considered as being in the
batter's box.
d. The catcher's box shall be 10 feet in length from the rear outside
corners of the batter's boxes and shall be 8 feet 5 inches wide.
e. The coach's box is behind a line 15 feet long drawn outside the
diamond. The line is parallel to and 8 feet from the foul lines,
extended from the bases toward home plate.
f. There shall be a sixteen (16) foot circle drawn around the
pitcher's plate, eight (8) feet in radius.
Sec. 5 If during the course of any game, the base distance or pitching
distance is found to be in error, the error should be corrected
immediately, and the game should continue. This is not a point to be
protested.
RULE 3 – EQUIPMENT
By taking the field (No matter if a pre-game conference with the
coaches was held or not; or if an equipment check was performed or
not) the coach and/or team manager automatically verifies that
his/her team is legally and properly equipped.
NSA Altered Bat and Altered Ball Procedures
For the past several years the NSA has embarked on more stringent test
procedures for bats and balls. NSA feels that it has the very best testing
procedures in the game. However, there are always players, coaches and
outside agencies who will do their best to get around these rules. The rules
were implemented to keep our patrons safe and to make this game the safest it
can be. With the one word “SAFETY” in mind NSA will not tolerate anyone
who would embark in any manner that would put our patrons in peril. As a
Director, UIC or Umpire if you feel that a player may be using an altered bat
or ball in NSA play, the Director, or UIC will have the authority to inspect the
bat or ball and to suspend the suspected player(s). The offending player(s) will
have two choices only: 1.) He/she can allow the NSA representative to inspect
the bat or ball and the NSA representative can reach a conclusion as to
whether the bat or ball may be altered or he/she can refuse to allow the
director to inspect the bat or ball and take an immediate Five (5) year
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18. suspension from any and all NSA play with no right of appeal. 2.) He/she may
after allowing the NSA representative to inspect the bat or ball and the NSA
representative has decided that the bat or ball “could be” altered; the player
may allow the director to send the bat or ball to the NSA National Office for
inspection. If the NSA National Office decides that the bat or ball may be
altered, the NSA will then send the bat or ball to the Manufacturer of the bat or
ball for a final determination on whether the bat or ball is altered or he/she can
accept an immediate two (2) year suspension without the right of appeal.
During the time of the examination of the bat or ball by NSA and/or the
manufacturer, depending on the sole discretion of the NSA National Office, the
NSA may suspend the suspected offending player pending the findings from the
manufacturer and or NSA or final decision of the NSA. If the NSA and/or the
manufacturer determine in their sole discretion that the bat or ball has been
altered, the NSA may suspend a first time offender no less than two (2) years
and no more than five (5) years. Such suspension decision may be appealed at
the next NSA National Convention. A second time offender under this altered
bat/ball suspension process will be suspended for life.
The responsibility for knowing whether a bat or ball is altered is that of the
user and/or the owner of the bat or ball. If an individual uses a bat or ball in
NSA play or is the owner of a bat or ball that is brought into an NSA game or
facility, the suspensions will be imposed without regard to what the individual
knew about the bat or ball being altered. An individual must know that his/her
bat or ball is not an altered bat or ball, if he/she brings either into an NSA
facility or game. If not, the individual can be suspended from any and all NSA
activities. The fact that the individual did not know that the bat or ball was
altered is not a factor in imposing the suspension. The question is only whether
the bat or ball is altered or not.
An altered bat is considered altered when the physical structure of the legal bat
has been changed in any way or when an illegal or non approved bat has been
made up in such a way as to appear to be a legal bat. Examples of altering a
bat are, but not limited to the following: Painting a bat, replacing the handle
or shaving the handle or barrel or the taper changed in any way such as by
sandpapering or applying a solvent to the surface such as fingernail polish
remover or by any other means. Had the plug removed/replaced or changed in
any way. Had the knob removed/ replaced or changed in any way or had
anything removed or added to the inside or outside of the bat other than the
legal way to tape the bat the specified and appropriate place as described in
Rule 3.
Examples of an altered ball (but not limited too) are: is any ball frozen, or kept
cold in a cooler to make the core harder or livelier. Any ball that has been
cooked in a microwave oven, or the seams/stitches or cover that has been
altered in any way whatsoever. If the physical structure of the ball (inside or
outside) has been altered in any way whatsoever other than the alterations that
is caused by usage, that ball is to be considered altered. Should an umpire or
player be thrown a ball that is colder or hotter than the outside temperature,
that ball is to be immediately thrown out of the game, the game forfeited and
the offending person(s) suspended for altering a softball. At any time during
any NSA game an umpire has the authority to not allow a ball to be played with
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19. if the umpires suspects in any way shape or form that some sort of altering has
been done to the approved NSA softball that is presently being played with or
attempted to be played with.
NOTE: For every division contained inside the cover of this Rule Book all
equipment must be 100% conforming, 100% of the time. The NSA reserves the
right to approve or reject any softball related equipment for its intended use in
the NSA Program. Equipment does not merely need to meet industry standards
but must meet NSA Standards before approval for its use is granted. If, should
the NSA believe in any way shape or form that a particular piece of
equipment is dangerous and/or not acceptable for fair and/or safe play; the
NSA reserves the right to ban such equipment immediately.
*NOTE: The NSA has adopted a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 or
less. All bats with a BPF of 1.20 or less for the entire length of the barrel or
hitting surface are approved for use in the NSA Program, unless the NSA
believes in any way shape or form that a particular bat is dangerous and/or
not acceptable for fair and safe play. **NOTE: The NSA reserves the right
to ban such equipment immediately. All bats used in NSA play must be
stamped with a BPF of 1.20 or less (exception: wooden bats do not have to be
stamped with a BPF of 1.20 and may be used and are legal in all NSA play if
they meet the standards set forth in Rule 3, Sec. 1 a-l).
Sec. 1 The official bat shall be listed on the NSA approved bat list (all bats
appearing on the NSA APPROVED BAT LIST are approved for
ALL divisions of NSA play. The Official bat shall be of one piece or
interchangeable barrel construction and can be made of wood
(hardwood) or other materials approved by the NSA; or formed from
a block of wood consisting of two or more pieces of wood bonded
together with an adhesive, in such a way, that the grain direction of
all pieces is essentially parallel to the length of the bat. When the
interchangeable barrel bat is joined together properly the two piece
bat must meet all NSA official bat requirements. Below is a list of
additional requirements for all approved NSA BATS:
a. The bat shall not be more than 34 inches in length and no more
than 38 ounces in weight and shall meet the NSA bat standards
and also be listed on the NSA Approved Bat List. (See Above
*NOTE and **NOTE for further bat standards.) Any bat which
cannot be identified by markings on the bat as an approved bat
shall be considered illegal.
EXCEPTION: Wooden bats need only meet the standards
described in Rule 3 Sec. 1 above.
b. The bat shall have a safety grip of cork, tape (not smooth plastic
type), or combination material.
c. The grip shall not be less than ten inches long and shall not
extend more than 15 inches from the small end of the bat.
d. The bat shall be listed on the NSA Approved Bat List. In the
case of well used bats, sufficient markings must remain to make
the bat identifiable as an NSA Approved bat. (Bat name and/or
model number should suffice for this purpose.
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20. e. The bat may be made of metal or other materials approved by
the NSA and may be angular; however, the NSA must approve
any material before it is used in Sanctioned Events.
g. All exposed surfaces of the bat must be smooth and free of
burrs, pins, rivets, DEEP DENTS OR DANGEROUS DENTS,
fractures/cracks of any type, sharp edges or any type of exterior
fastener that would present a safety hazard.
EXCEPTION: At the umpires discretion slightly dented bats
may be considered legal.
h. Unless the bat is made of one-piece construction or
interchangeable two – piece barrel construction with the barrel
end closed, it should have a tamper resistant rubber or plastic
insert in the barrel. Beginning with 2012 season, all
manufactured bats MUST HAVE a tamper proof end cap or
rolled over end.
i. A one-piece rubber grip and knob combination is illegal.
j. Metal or other approved material bats must have a knob on the
handle and welded or mechanically fastened.
k. All bats must have a safety knob of a minimum of ¼ inch
protruding at a 90-degree angle from the handle. The ¼ inch is
measured from the outer edge of the knob 90 degrees to the
outside layer of wrapping. The knob portion of the bat may be
taped as long as the bat does not exceed 34 inches in length;
however, the umpire may request tape to be removed from both
the handle and knob, if there is any question concerning the bat
being altered or illegal. After determining the bat legal, the
player may tape the bat back to his/her preference, providing the
bat meets the requirements set forth by Rule 3, Sec. 1 (a-k).
A flare or cone grip may be attached from the factory or a
factory flare or cone may be attached to the bat by the player,
but the flare or cone must be installed properly to the bat. The
flare or cone must be taped or covered by an approved bat grip
and the bat must meet all requirements of Rule 3, Sec. 1 (a-l)
after installation to be considered legal. STINGERS ARE
APPROVED FOR NSA PLAY PROVIDED THEY ARE
PROPERLY INSTALLED.
l. Shall be rounded, and shall be smooth. Shall not be more than 2
1/4 inches in diameter at its largest part. A tolerance of 1/16 inch
is permitted, to allow for expansion on the round bat.
NOTE: Sec. 1 (a-k) Any bat that does not comply with these
guidelines or that is not listed on the Official NSA approved bat
list (REFER TO: playnsa.com for approved bat list) must be
removed from the game, penalties (if any) administered, and the
bat may no longer be used in any NSA Sanctioned Play.
Sec. 2 The official softball shall be a raised-seamed, concealed-stitched
or flat-surfaced ball. The center of the ball may be made of either
long fiber kapok, or mixture of cork and rubber, and/or machine
wound with a fine twisted yarn and covered with latex or rubber
cement. Or it may be made of other materials approved by the NSA.
The cover of the ball shall be optic yellow, tanned horsehide,
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21. cowhide or any other materials approved by the NSA, cemented to
the ball by application of cement to the underside of the cover and
sewn with black waxed cotton or black linen thread to form a black
stitched softball. The solid core ball must be stamped with THE
official NSA logo that contains the maximum C.O.R. and
compression standards. The ball MAY NOT bear any other logos
except for the NSA official logo unless otherwise approved by the
Executive Director or the Executive Vice President of the NSA.
MAXIMUM C.O.R. shall be .47. Maximum Compression for NSA
softballs is 400 pounds. For the 2010 season; the NSA has
approved a .52 C.O.R. 275 pound compression softball.
a. The official softball used for all divisions of the fast pitch
program will be the 12" raised-seam softball.
EXCEPTION: The youth division, boys and girls 10 & Under,
will use the 11" softball.
Sec. 3 All fielders must wear gloves or mitts made of leather or other
approved materials. Only the catcher and first baseman may wear
mitts. The glove worn by a pitcher must be uniform in color and may
not be white or grey. Gloves or mitts with white, grey or optic
yellow circles on the outside, giving the appearance of a ball, may not
be worn by any player and will be considered illegal.
Sec. 4 All players, coaches, and participants must wear shoes. Sandals are
considered proper shoes for non-players. A shoe shall be made with
either canvas or leather uppers or similar materials. The sole may be
either smooth or have soft or hard rubber or polyurethane cleats.
Metal cleats or any type of shoe that has exposed metal on the sole
other than a rivet may not be worn in any division of youth play.
EXCEPTION: Shoes with metal cleats are optional in the 16U and
the 18U age divisions. EXCEPTION: When a ball park has specific
rules that prohibit the use of metal cleats, the official park rules will
take preference and be observed. Metal cleats may be worn in all
divisions of adult FP play. PENALTY: IF IT IS DISCOVERED
DURING THE GAME THAT AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER IS
WEARING METAL CLEATS AN OUT WILL BE CALLED
AND THE PLAYER WILL BE EJECTED. A DEFENSIVE
PLAYER WHO IS WEARING METAL CLEATS WILL BE
EJECTED. Any baserunner(s) must return to the last base
occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec. 5 No equipment shall be left lying on the field either in fair or foul
territory.
Sec. 6 Uniform: All players on a team shall wear uniforms alike in color
and style.
NOTE: If a team is not in compliance with the uniform rule, the
opposing team, if in total uniform, has the choice of being the home
or visiting team. If both teams are in compliance or if both teams are
not in compliance, a flip of a coin will determine the home and
visiting team.
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22. a. Ball caps or visors must be alike and must be worn properly.
Caps or visors are not mandatory but when worn by one or more
players must be identical and must be a team cap or visor. Hard
plastic visors, bandanas, handkerchiefs and the like are not
approved headgear.
b. In the umpires judgment: No player may wear any object on
their person, that would be a distraction, or wear any object
that may be dangerous to the player’s person or any other
player involved in the contest. Examples are but not limited
to: Glitter or sparkles; looped ear rings, necklaces that could
create a hazard, Pitchers with a helmet that creates a glare.
c. Players may wear solid colored undergarments under their
uniform shirts or shorts. It is not mandatory that all players wear
these undergarments, but if worn, they shall not be ragged,
frayed, or slit on exposed areas.
d. Players may wear scrunchies or tie-ups if worn in good taste and
not worn in a derogatory fashion. Scrunchies may not be worn in
a fashion to hide or prohibit the viewing of the player’s number.
e. Numbers must be worn and visible on all uniforms and be a
minimum of six (6) inches in height. No players on the same
team may wear identical numbers. If this occurs, the umpire
must ensure that this is corrected immediately.
f. THE NATIONAL SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION STRONGLY
RECOMMENDS THAT ANY TYPE OF JEWELRY NOT BE
WORN IN ANY NSA PLAY.
g Casts, (plaster, metal, or other hard substances) or other items
judged dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the
game by any coach coaching the bases or by any player.
h. Coaches in wheelchairs MAY NOT be on the field of play
during ANY live ball situation unless the chair has all exposed
metal parts and/or surfaces covered by a soft substance and
taped in such a manner that would eliminate the risk of bodily
injury to the players playing the game or other coaches coaching
the game. This pertains to ALL adult and ALL youth play.
EXCEPTION: In some cases a protective device may be
attached to an approved head protector, with prior approval by
the local NSA Director.
NOTE: Play prior to detection of jewelry is not affected by
violation of the jewelry rule. Violation of the jewelry rule is not
grounds for protests.
*NOTE: Prosthesis may be worn; however, any metal that is
part of a brace or support must be covered by ½”soft foam or
soft material and taped. Casts are prohibited.
**NOTE: Prior to the start of the game, the manager/coach
shall be responsible for verifying to the Umpire-in-Chief that all
his/her players are equipped and in compliance with the Official
NSA Rule Book.
Sec. 7 A batting helmet bearing the NOCSAE stamp is mandatory for each
batter, on-deck batter, player, any runner, and youth coach in the
coach’s box. The batting helmet worn by each of these individuals
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23. must have extended earflaps that cover both ears and temples. For all
youth Fast Pitch play: The helmet must have a properly attached
face guard and the face guard must bear the NOCSAE stamp to be
approved. If a pitcher wears a batting helmet while pitching, the
outer covering must have a non-glare surface. Plastic visors are
prohibited for players, coaches and managers. The batting helmet
must be worn properly at all times.
EXCEPTION: In the adult program, one or two earflaps are
acceptable.
PENALTY: The Umpire will issue a team warning if any player
is found to be in non-compliance. All subsequent violations of the
warned team will result in the ejection of the player not in
compliance with this rule.
a. When an umpire detects a runner (including the batter/runner)
deliberately removing his/her batting helmet during playing
action, a dead ball will be declared immediately. The violator is
declared out with all runners returning to the last base touched at
the time of the infraction. Preceding runners, scoring before the
removal of the helmet, will score and are not required to return
to the last base occupied.
Sec. 8 Protective Equipment:
The catcher must wear an approved head protector, a protective
mask, with throat protector (May be an extension of the mask) or a
commercially manufactured, properly attached, and not altered in any
manner.), body protector, and baseball/softball shin guards. The
male catcher or any male player warming up a pitcher shall wear an
approved protective cup. Any player warming up a pitcher at any
location within the confines of the park or facility will be required to
wear an approved head protector and an approved mask with throat
protector. All protective equipment must conform to industry
standards. The National Softball Association HIGHLY
RECOMMENDS protective equipment for ALL DIVISIONS of
softball. All players are permitted to wear any approved protective
equipment including catcher’s equipment, batter’s helmet, and
soccer-style shin guards. If used, the equipment must not be
detached. Detached equipment can be an obstruction. Repeated acts
could be grounds for ejection. For all additional Equipment that is
approved for NSA play, refer to www.playnsa.com
RULE 4 - PLAYERS/SUBSTITUTION
Any non-player who is not yet considered an adult, may not be
between the fences or boundaries that are considered the playing field
without a NOCSAE approved helmet with a NOCSAE approved face
mask properly attached and worn at all times when inside the playing
area. Any youth division bat boys/bat girls who are the teams official
bat boy/bat girl or who are team members serving as bat boy/bat girl
must wear a NOCSAE approved helmet with a NOCSAE approved
face mask properly attached. PENALTY: The player, non-player,
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24. bat boy or bat girl will put the helmet on or be removed from the
playing area.
NOTE: Player additions must be added to the roster prior to the tournament
entry deadline.
a. No college player may play on a "B" Division team. Players
who have officially signed to play college softball and have not
yet played in an official college game are eligible to play in
NSA Youth Fast Pitch Class “B”.
b. The State Director/State Youth Director may reclassify a team in
a division at anytime during the season.
c. The State Director/State Youth Director who registers a "B"
Division team must approve any out-of-state player(s) on the
team roster.
d. Any player that qualifies with an "A" Division team may not
play in the "B" Division for that year.
e. In the “B” Division, after the State Tournament, two (2) “B”
players may be picked up and added to the roster. These added
players must have played in a NSA Tournament. No Class “A”
players can be added.
Sec. 1 A team shall consist of a minimum of nine (9) players and a
maximum of twelve (12) players if the two (2) optional Extra Player
(EP) and the Designated Hitter (DH) are used. Teams can play a
maximum of nine (9) players on defense. Players of the team in the
field may be stationed anywhere on fair territory, except the catcher,
who must be in the catcher’s box, and the pitcher who must be in a
legal pitching position at the start of each pitch. No part of the
defensive player’s foot (except catcher) may be outside the foul lines,
from the time when the pitcher steps on the pitching rubber or until
the pitch is released.
a. A team must have the required number of players present in the
team area to start or continue a game. Players listed in the
starting line-up and not available at game time may be
substituted for and re-entered later. Official line-up cards are to
be completed and submitted to the official scorekeeper or the
umpire at the start of each game. The line-up shall contain the
first and last name, position, and uniform number of each player.
The DH should be listed in the proper batting order with DH as
the player’s position. The player being DH’d for should be
listed as “defensive player” in the designated substitute box at
the bottom of the card and should be the first name listed.
NOTE: If a wrong number is on the line-up card, correct it and
continue playing ball with no penalty.
1. All available substitutes should be listed in the designated
place by last name, first name and uniform number.
2. Eligible roster members may be added to the available
substitute list any time during the game.
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25. Sec. 2 The Designated Hitter (DH) and the Extra Player (EP):
a. The designated hitter – (DH) may play defense at anytime
during the game. This would eliminate the Designated Hitter
(DH) for the remainder of the game.
1. A Designated Hitter (DH) may be used for any player in
the line-up.
2. The Designated Hitter (DH) must be made known prior to
the start of the game, and his/her name and number
indicated on the line-up sheet or score sheet.
3. The player listed as (DH) must remain in the same position
in the batting order for the entire game.
4. The (DH) may be substituted for at any time, if the
substitute is a pinch runner or pinch hitter other than the
player being hit for, she must be a player who has not yet
been in the game. The substitute then becomes the (DH).
b. The Extra Player (EP) can play defense. Coaches have the
option of using two (2) (EP’s).
An EP(s) is optional, but if one is used, it must be made known
prior to the start of game and be listed on the line-up sheet or
score sheet.
1. If the EP(s) is used, he/she must be used the entire game.
2. The EP(s) must remain in the same position in the batting
order for the entire game.
3. If an EP(s) is used, all players (10 or 11) must bat and any
nine (9) can play defense. Defensive positions can be
changed, but the batting order must remain the same.
4. The EP(s) may be substituted for at any time, either by a
pinch runner or a pinch hitter who then becomes the (EP).
The substitute may be a player who has not yet been in the
game.
Sec. 3 Any of the starting and substitute players may be withdrawn from
the game and re-entered once. (This includes the EP(s) and/or DH,
provided that the players occupy the original position in the batting
order whenever in the game).
NOTE: The original player and her substitute cannot be in the game
at the same time.
a. Violation of the re-entry rule results in the use of an illegal
player. Refer to: Rule 4 Sec 7
b. Violation of the re-entry is handled as an appeal that can be
made ANYTIME during the game.
Sec. 4 A team must have the required number of players to start or
continue a game.
a. Nine (9) players.
b. Ten (10) or Eleven (11) players if two EP’s are used, twelve
(12) players if the (DH) is used. If a team starts the game with
the EP(s), the team must finish the game with the EP(s) or be
penalized as follows. If the EP(s) or any other player is
removed with the exception of the Designated Hitter (DH),
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26. injured or ejected from the game with no substitute to replace
the player, the vacated spot automatically becomes an out each
time the vacant spot comes to bat or anytime a runner is
removed from the base with no legal substitution. Neither the
(DH) nor the player being DH'd for may be used to replace the
injured (EP). A team playing with nine (9) players and no
available substitute may finish the game with eight (8) players if
an injury occurs with the vacant spot being an out as described
in Rule 4 Sec 4 (c). However, the team must start the game with
the minimum of nine (9) players.
c. When a team is left with a vacant spot in the lineup because of a
player as described in Sec. 4 (b), the opposing team may not,
with two outs, intentionally or unintentionally walk the previous
batter in order to get the "AUTOMATIC OUT" created by the
vacant spot in the batting order. This would also include catcher
obstruction to the previous batter or the previous batter being hit
by a legal or illegally pitched ball. If the previous batter is
walked or hit by a legal or illegally pitched ball, the vacant spot
is skipped, the "AUTOMATIC OUT" is waived, and the next
batter is the player whose name follows the vacant spot in the
batting order. This only applies when there are two (2) outs.
NOTE: If a team has a vacant spot and a substitute arrives or
the original player can play again, he/she must be inserted
immediately into the vacant spot.
Sec. 5 A player shall be officially in the game when her name has been
entered on the official score sheet or has been announced. The
following regulations govern the substitution of players:
NOTE: A player’s correct name supersedes an error if an incorrect
number has been entered on the score sheet.
The manager or team representative shall notify the plate umpire at
the time a substitute enters the game. Failure to notify the umpire of
a substitution would create an illegal substitution with the penalty -
IMMEDIATE EJECTION FROM THE GAME WHENEVER THE
INFRACTION IS DISCOVERED.
a. Substitute players will be considered in the game as follows if
one pitch has been thrown:
1. When a batter takes his/her place in the batter's box.
2. When a fielder takes the place of the fielder for which
he/she is substituting.
3. When a runner replaces the player on the base he/she is
holding.
4. When a pitcher takes his/her place on the pitcher's plate.
5. An unreported substitute (In Youth Play). However, the
coach shall be ejected for an un-reported substitute.
b. Each pitcher (starter or substitute) must pitch until the first batter
facing him/her has completed his/her turn at bat, the side has been
retired or he/she has been removed from the game, unless the
pitcher sustains an injury or illness which in the judgment of the
home plate umpire, incapacitates the pitcher from pitching. A
pitcher removed from the game by rule or ejection is not subject
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27. to this rule (5c). Any other player may be removed from the
game at any time.
c. A player substituted for a second time in the game shall not
participate in the game except as a coach or a courtesy runner.
EXCEPTION: The starting line-up, including the (EP),(DH)and
substitutions may re-enter once.
NOTE: A player’s correct name supersedes error if an incorrect
number has been entered on the score sheet.
*NOTE: Re-entry is considered a substitution and if an illegal
re-entry occurs, this constitutes an illegal player. The use of an
illegal player is handled as a protest which can be made at any
time while the player is in the game. A player will not violate the
illegal player provision until he/she enters the game and one (1)
pitch is thrown. An illegal player violation results in the
immediate ejection of the illegal player and in youth play the
coach is also ejected.
Sec. 6 Courtesy Runner: The player in the batting order where the last out
was recorded or any player not currently in the game may replace the
current (the player physically playing the position when the 3rd out
was recorded) pitcher or catcher as a courtesy runner at any time.
The pitcher or catcher will remain in the game and the courtesy
runner will retain all substitution rights (if the courtesy runner has
substitution rights). A player can be used only once per inning as a
courtesy runner. Should the player that made the last recorded out be
on base for any reason or is the pitcher or catcher, or batting or has
already been a courtesy runner in that inning; the new courtesy
runner would be determined by going back previous outs to the next
allowable courtesy runner or to any player not currently in the game.
If in the first inning a courtesy runner is used for either the pitcher or
the catcher (who are listed in the line up when the line ups are turned
in) and there are no outs recorded, the courtesy runner will be the
player furthest removed from the pitcher or catcher needing the
courtesy runner or any player not currently in the game.
PENALTY: Using the wrong courtesy runner is the ejection of
the head coach. The pitcher or catcher may be used as a courtesy
runner and a player with no substitution privileges may also be a
courtesy runner as long as the player has not been ejected. The
pitcher or catcher may return to run for themselves if the courtesy
runner is due up to bat.
Sec. 7 Illegal Player: The use of an illegal player is handled as an appeal
that can be made at any time, while the player is in the game. A
player will not violate the illegal player provision until he/she enters
the game and one (1) pitch is thrown. Any action before one pitch is
thrown is correctable. An illegal player violation results in the
immediate ejection of the illegal player and his/her coach. In Youth
Play, an un-reported substitute is not a violation of the Illegal Player
Rule, however the coach shall be ejected if Rule 4, Sec. 5 (a) is met.
In addition, the following penalties will apply:
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28. a. If the illegal player has completed a turn at bat and before the
next pitch, the illegal player is called out. Any advance by any
runner as a result of the illegal player becoming a batter-runner
is nullified. Any additional outs recorded on the play stand.
b. If the illegal player has made a defensive play and before the
next pitch (or the defensive team or the umpires have left the
field), the offensive team has the option of 1) the result of the
play or 2) replaying the last pitch.
NOTE: The illegal player can be legally replaced by any
eligible substitute.
PLAY … (1) Smith enters the game in the 4th inning and was
not reported. In the 6th inning the opposing team reports this to
the umpire.
RULING: The Coach is immediately ejected from the game.
All play by or on Smith is legal.
PLAY … (2) Smith enters the game in the 4th inning, and was
not reported. Smith legally reaches 1st base and before the next
pitch, is reported to the Home Plate Umpire.
RULING: The player (Smith) is called out and immediately
ejected from the game. All runners must return to the base
occupied when Smith first came to bat.
*NOTE: The penalty for using an ineligible player is a forfeit of
any/all games played or in progress. Violation of an illegal
player constitutes the immediate ejection of both the illegal
player and his/her coach.
Sec. 8 Divisions of Play:
NOTE: The National Softball Association has divisions of play for
men and women and a Coed Division for both to compete in jointly.
The Men’s Division is designed for men 16 years of age and older.
The Women’s Division is designed for women 16 years of age and
older. The player must already be 16 to compete in the Adult
Division. Males may not compete in the female division and females
may not compete in the male division in any program. This also
applies to the Youth Program.
*NOTE: The Tournament Director or the Tournament UIC may
declare a higher-class player (s) ineligible without having a team
protest.
**NOTE: NSA Youth Fast pitch (10 & Under through 18 & Under)
has an “A” and “B” Divisions which are determined by skill levels.
Other NSA Fast pitch Divisions are 23 & Under and Adult.
***NOTE: The 23 & Under teams are considered adult teams. The
23 & Under division will play by the adult rules including the age
eligibility rule.
The cut-off date for the youth age eligibility is December 31st.
Whatever age the child is on December 31st of the prior year is the
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29. eligible division for the current year. Birth certificates must
accompany youth players at all times.
Example: A child turns age 12 on Dec. 31st is eligible to play 12 &
Under.
A child who turns age 13 on Jan. 1st is eligible to play 12 & Under.
a. All players must play in one age group only.
b. A player cannot play in two (2) age divisions in one tournament.
c. A player may play up one age group but not down in an age
group. EXCEPTION: A player who turns 11, 13, or 15 years
of age in the current year, may move up two (2) divisions and
may play in the 14, 16, or the 18 & Under age divisions,
respectively.
d. Proof of age must be verified by one of the following:
government issued I.D. and/or birth certificate copies. Proof of
age must accompany the player at all times.
e. Teams may have no more than twenty five (25) players on their
roster.
f. Adult Division softball (male & female) players are eligible for
Adult Division play once they have reached their sixteenth
(16th) birthday.
NOTE: Any player participating in any NSA sanctioned event must
be physically able to participate. The player must be able to walk on
and off the field and play the game as intended. This is to keep
injured players from further injury.
Sec. 9 At all levels of Youth Fastpitch play certificates of team insurance
must be presented to either the League or Tournament Director.
NOTE: Teams do not need to purchase NSA team insurance, but any
insurance purchased must be equal to or greater than the team
insurance offered by the National Softball Association.
Sec. 10 Adult division teams, including the 23 & Under teams, must
purchase the adult insurance if purchasing insurance.
Sec. 11 Communicable Disease Procedures:
When a player is bleeding or has an open wound, the bleeding must
be stopped and the open wound covered with a bandage/dressing
strong enough to withstand the rigors of competition. This treatment
must be immediate and a suspension of play for a *reasonable
amount of time, will be awarded the team. Should the treatment of
this wound exceed a *reasonable amount of time, the affected player
must be substituted. If no substitute is available, and the team is
using the EP, the team may play on with nine players until the
affected player can continue, with all penalties as set forth by Rule 4,
Sec. 4 in affect. When the affected player can continue, he/she may
re-enter the lineup. Return to play will be determined by appropriate
medical personnel or the home plate umpire. Any player whose
uniform is saturated with blood, regardless of the source, must follow
the same guidelines as stated above for a person bleeding and must
have that uniform changed, if determined necessary, before returning
to the game.
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30. *NOTE: A reasonable amount of time will be determined by the
home plate umpire and will be no less than five minutes.
RULE 5 - THE GAME
Softball is a contact sport, played with Composite, Aluminum, Wood
and other approved materials in design of approved bats. The game
of softball can be a dangerous sport to participate in. In playing the
game of softball, the player and the parents of the youth players
participating in the game of softball assume for themselves and for
the youth children participating in the game of softball the risk of
serious injury or possible death. By agreeing to be placed on an NSA
roster, the participants or parents of participants understand these
risks
NOTE: At all levels of youth play, certificates of team insurance must be
presented to either the League or Tournament Director. Teams do not need to
purchase NSA team insurance, but any insurance purchased must be equal to
or greater than the team insurance offered by the National Softball Association.
23 & Under teams that purchase insurance must purchase adult insurance.
*NOTE: No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the dugouts or on the field
during any NSA sanctioned event. No tobacco products are allowed in the
dugouts or on the field for the entire NSA youth program, and no youth player
will be charged admission to any NSA youth tournament, above and beyond the
team entry fee
**NOTE: It is the option of the Tournament Director to either use or not use
an official scorekeeper. If an official scorekeeper is not used, the home team
will be the official scorer and it is the obligation of the visiting team to verify
the score at the end of each half inning.
Sec. 1 The choice of the first or last at bat in the inning shall be decided
by the toss of a coin unless otherwise stated in the rules of the
organization under which the schedule of games is being played. If a
team is not in compliance with the uniform rule, the opposing team, if
in total uniform compliance, has the choice of being the home or
visiting team.
Sec. 2 The fitness of the grounds for a game shall be decided by the
Tournament Director, Tournament Umpire-In-Chief and the Home
Plate Umpire.
Sec. 3 A regulation game shall consist of seven (7) innings.
a. A full seven (7) innings need not be played if the home team
(the team second at bat) scores more runs in six innings or
before the third out of the seventh inning.
EXCEPTION: The NSA will use the 12, 10 and 8 run rule in
all tournament play. If one team is 12, 10 or 8 runs ahead after
3, 4 or 5 innings, or after 2½, 3½ or 4½ innings, if the home
team is ahead by 12, 10 or 8 or more runs respectively, the team
with the 12, 10 or 8 run lead shall be the winner.
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31. b. A game that is tied at the end of seven innings will use the tie-
breaking rule. This would involve the last batter of the previous
inning whose turn at bat had been completed, assuming a
position on second base. This would be done at the beginning of
each half inning until, at the conclusion of a full inning a winner
is determined. A game that is tied at the end of the time limit
must complete the full inning if the time elapses during any part
of an inning.
NOTE: The NSA recommends a one hour and thirty minute
(1:30) time limit in NIT, State, Regional, and World Series
Tournaments (in youth play only). In the Adult Fastpitch &
Modified Program, a one hour and forty-five minute (1:45) time
limit is recommended. No new inning (top of the inning) will
start after the allotted time limit has expired. Once an inning
begins, that inning must be completed unless the home team is
ahead when the time expires. The visiting teams one half inning
must be completed.
c. The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of
darkness, rain, fire, panic, or other causes which place the
patrons or players in peril.
d. These provisions do not apply to any acts on the part of the
players or spectators, which might call for the forfeiture of the
game. The umpire may forfeit the game if attacked physically
by any team member or spectator.
e. The umpire shall forfeit a game in favor of a team not at fault in
the following cases:
1. If a team fails to appear on the field, or being on the field,
refuses to begin a game at the time the team is scheduled to
play, or within a time set for forfeitures (grace period) by
the organization in which the team is playing.
2. If after the game has started, one team refuses to continue
play unless the game has been suspended or terminated by
the umpire.
3. If after the umpire has suspended the game, one side fails to
resume playing within two minutes after the umpire has
called "play ball".
4. If a team uses tactics to delay or to hasten the game.
5. If after being warned by the umpire, any one of the rules is
willfully violated.
6. If the order for the removal of a player, coach, or manager
from the game is not obeyed within one minute.
7. If because of the ejection of a player by the umpire, a team
can no longer field nine (9) defensive players or for any
other reason can no longer field eight (8) defensive players.
8. The score of a forfeited game will be 7-0 to the winning
team.
f. During all tournament play (Qualifying, NIT, State, Regional
and World Series) in the event of rain or any other cause which
interrupts a game, the game must be resumed at the exact point
where it was stopped, unless the teams mutually agree to accept
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32. the existing score as the final score. NOTE: Players listed in the
line-ups and not available at game time may be substituted.
g. In the event that a tournament cannot be completed, an official
game may be called after 5 innings of play or 4 ½ innings of
play if the home team is ahead.
h. Original lineups may be changed when the game is replayed.
Sec. 4 The winner of the game shall be the team which scores the most
runs in a regulation game. The score of a called regulation game
shall be the score at the end of the last complete inning unless the
home team has scored more runs than the visiting team in the
incomplete inning. In this case, the score shall be that of the
incomplete inning.
Sec. 5 A run shall not be scored if the third out of the inning is a result
of:
a. The batter being put out before LEGALLY touching first base.
b. A baserunner being forced out due to the batter becoming a
baserunner.
c. A baserunner leaving the base before a pitched ball to home
plate leaves the pitchers hand.
d. An appeal play at first base on the batter/runner for the third out
of the inning.
Sec. 6 No succeeding runner shall score a run when a preceding runner
has been declared the third out of an inning.
Sec. 7 A baserunner shall not score a run ahead of the baserunner
preceding him in the batting order if the preceding runner has not
been put out.
Sec. 8 A manager and/or team representative, on or off the field, shall be
allowed only one charged conference with a batter or baserunner in
any one inning.
PENALTY: A strike will be called on the batter if more than one
conference occurs.
Sec. 9 Teams must have registered and entered their roster online with all
information correct and complete or the player(s) and/or team(s) will
be considered ineligible to participate in any National Softball
Association sanctioned Tournaments, including Qualifiers, NIT’s or
Post Season Tournaments.
a. Teams must PRINT a copy of the Official NSA ONLINE
ROSTER (complete & correct), ATTAIN SIGNATURES of
participants (and Parents or guardian if Youth) to turn in at ALL
NSA sanctioned tournaments prior to their scheduled start or
they will not be allowed to participate.
EXCEPTION: See Youth Tryout Rosters
NOTE: For ALL Youth Roster information refer to Rule 4, Section8
and Article XIV Sec 8 (a-h) of the Official NSA By- Laws.
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33. Sec. 10 a. Refer to Article XIV Sec 9 (a-d) of the Official NSA By-Laws
for Youth team try-out rosters.
b. Refer to Article XVI Section 8 regarding information for Youth
Fast-Pitch Fall Tournaments and World Series Qualifiers.
RULE 6 - PITCHING REGULATIONS
Sec. 1 Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with
the following:
a. The pitcher shall take a position with both feet on the ground
and in contact with the pitching plate. The hands shall be
separated with the ball being held in either the glove or pitching
hand.
b. While in this position, the pitcher shall take, or simulate taking,
a signal from the catcher.
c. The pitcher shall bring the hands together or touch them together
for no more than ten seconds.
d. The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position,
unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
e. The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the
pitching plate without having the ball in his/her possession.
Sec. 2 The pitch starts when the hands are separated or the pitcher
makes any motion that is part of his/her wind-up. The hands may
only be separated one (1) time per pitch. In the act of delivering the
ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be
forward, toward the batter, and simultaneous with the delivery of the
ball to the batter.
NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides his/her foot across the
pitching rubber, provided contact is maintained with the pitching
rubber.
Sec. 3 After taking the signal, the pitcher may not step backward with
the non-pivot foot.
EXCEPTION: Men may step backward but this step must be taken
simultaneously with or prior to starting the pitch.
Sec. 4 The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher's plate or
ground until the non-pivot foot (front foot) touches the ground.
There is no restriction on position or movement of the free foot
except that if a step is taken forwards with the free foot, the step must
be taken within or partially within the 24" length of the pitching
plate. Women and Youth Girls may not step backwards.
EXCEPTION: For Men only: There is no restriction on position or
movement of the free foot except that if a step is taken backwards or
forwards with the free foot, the step must be taken within or partially
within the 24" length of the pitching plate.
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34. *NOTE: It is not considered a step, if the pitcher slides their foot on
the pitching plate, provided contact with the pitching plate is
maintained.
**NOTE: Such techniques as the "crow hop" and "leap" are illegal.
Sec. 5 A legal delivery is one in which the ball is delivered to the batter
with an underhand motion.
a. The follow through of the hand and wrist and the release of the
ball must be forward past the straight line of the body.
b. The hand must be below the hip, and the wrist must not be
farther from the body than the elbow.
c. When a forward step is taken toward the batter, the pitch is
completed.
d. When the pitch is released, the catcher must be within the
outside lines of the catcher's box.
e. The catcher must return the ball directly to the pitcher after each
pitch except after a strike out, putout made by the catcher, or a
play on a baserunner.
f. Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the pitcher has ten
(10) seconds to receive the signal from the catcher.
PENALTY: (e & f above) a ball is awarded the batter.
Sec. 6 A pitcher may use any wind-up desired providing:
a. There is no motion made to pitch without immediately
delivering the ball to the batter.
b. A rocker action is not used in which, after having the ball in
both hands in the pitching position, the pitcher removes one
hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing and
returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
c. No wind-up is used in which there is a stop or reversal of the
forward motion.
d. There is no more than one revolution of the arm in the windmill
pitch. The pitching arm may be dropped to the side and to the
rear before starting the windmill motion. The ball does not have
to be released the first time past the hip.
e. The pitcher makes no continuous wind-up after taking the
forward step, which is simultaneous with the release of the ball.
Sec. 7 While in the pitching position, the pitcher may not deliberately
drop, roll or bounce the ball in order to prevent the batter from
striking it.
Sec. 8 During the game, the pitcher may not use tape or other
substances on the ball, pitching hand or fingers; nor shall any player
apply any foreign substance to the ball. With the umpire’s approval,
powdered resin may be used to dry the hand. The wearing of any
item on the pitching hand, wrist, or arm that may be distracting to the
batter will not be allowed.
PENALTY: Any infraction of Sec. 1 through Sec. 8 constitutes an
illegal pitch. A ball is awarded to the batter and all base runners
115